Cocolalla is a quiet lakefront community in northern Idaho
Centered on its namesake lake, Cocolalla is a quiet community 15 miles south of Sandpoint. Though lesser known than the larger Lake Pend Oreille, Cocolalla Lake still draws in a healthy crowd of locals looking for easy access to boating and other activities. “Anywhere else, that lake would be really popular, but it’s dwarfed in comparison to other lakes in size and stature. It’s great fishing,” says Pat Bistline, a North Idaho native and local real estate agent with Century 21 Riverstone. “It gets kind of overlooked here.” Locals are still a short drive from larger town amenities and big-box stores.
A mix of housing styles, some with waterfront access
Most of the area’s homes are found near or on Cocolalla Lake, including mostly contemporary properties from the 1980s and ‘90s, along with some New Traditional builds from the 21st century. Direct lakefront access is less common, though there are plenty of full-acre and multiacre lots with secluded, forested locations. Prices mostly range from $500,000 to $1 million, though larger properties on the lakeshore can fetch higher prices, between $1.2 million and $1.6 million. Like much of northern Idaho, the area has generally poor air quality due to wildfire smoke pollution in the greater region.
Boating, fishing and nearby hiking trails
Naturally, Cocolalla Lake is the main hub for waterfront activities, such as boating and swimming. Anglers can also come here to fish for trout, bass and catfish. Round Lake State Park is located north of the community, offering hiking trails and campgrounds. More hiking trails weave through the surrounding forests, often including scenic views at high elevations. Maiden Rock Trail runs for about 5 miles, while the nearby Panhandle Bike Ranch has miles of trails for mountain biking, ranging from beginner to expert skill levels.
A few small businesses and a convenience store, with more in Sandpoint
Farther out from the major towns, Cocolalla has a much quieter vibe with few businesses. “There’s not really any restaurants,” Bistline explains. “There’s one off the main highway, a convenience store and a gas station. There’s not much going on.” Locals can make an emergency trip to Westmond Store & Deli for convenience store goods, though chain stores like Walmart are about 15 miles away. Boondocks, a local bar, has a friendly atmosphere with standard American pub fare. The View Café, open for breakfast and lunch, is popular for its comfort food.
Local public schools earn B and B-plus ratings
Southside Elementary School and Sandpoint Middle School both earn a B-plus from Niche. The latter offers esports, swim and golf teams, in addition to arts programs like band and choir. Sandpoint High School earns a B and offers career-oriented classes in information technology, welding and carpentry. After-school activities include sports like basketball and volleyball, along with creative writing and chess clubs.
Connected to surrounding towns on State Route 95
U.S. Route 95 runs less than 15 miles north to Sandpoint, across the Pend Oreille River. Railroad tracks run alongside the highway, and passing trains can create some noise pollution. Bonner General Health Hospital is about 15 miles away, and Spokane International Airport is about 65 miles away.
